<![CDATA[Salt Spray Sheds - Salt Spray Blog]]>

<![CDATA[Salt Spray Sheds - Salt Spray Blog]]>Thu, 07 May 2026 21:23:46 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[5 top trends for transforming your outdoor space]]>Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:51:38 GMThttps://www.saltspraysheds.com/simpletipsblog/5-top-trends-for-transforming-your-outdoor-space

(BPT) - Homeowners today are reimagining their outdoor spaces, moving beyond a basic patio and grill to create thoughtfully designed areas that blend style, comfort, and functionality. According to the latest Houzz Outdoor Trends Study, one in three homeowners are upgrading their outdoor areas as functional, beautiful extensions of their homes with an emphasis on convenience, style and sustainability. If you're among those looking to transform your outdoor space this year, following are five top trends to consider:

1. Seamless segues from inside out
As the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces continue to blur, homeowners are finding creative ways to bring the comfort of the indoors outside. Picture large glass doors gliding open to reveal a deck adorned with stylish outdoor furniture, cozy rugs and ambient lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels just as welcoming as a living room.

2. Climate-friendly features
As climate resilience becomes a top priority, outdoor areas are being designed to withstand every season and adapt to a wide range of conditions. Homeowners want solutions that offer a year-round balance of comfort, durability, ease and style to ensure these spaces remain practical and inviting. Heat-mitigating composite decking, weather-resistant furniture, and shade structures help keep outdoor spaces enjoyable, no matter the season. Water-resistant materials are also becoming essential for decks, poolside areas and docks, ensuring durability against moisture, sun exposure and heavy foot traffic. Low-maintenance solutions, such as Trex® composite decking, require only occasional cleaning to maintain their beauty for years.

"People want outdoor spaces that adapt effortlessly to their homes and lifestyles, no matter the climate, setting or season," says Adam Zambanini, COO of Trex Company. "Our Performance-Engineered™ products offer the ability to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style, whether you live along the salty coast, high up in snow-capped mountains or in the heat of the desert."

3. Defined Yard Zones
Rather than sprawling, undefined yards, many homeowners are designing smaller, purpose-driven outdoor spaces tailored to specific activities like dining, relaxing or entertaining. Defined zones with level changes, pergolas, privacy screens and stylish deck railings create a sense of intimacy and character. And don't forget the space beneath the deck. The simple addition of a deck drainage system, like RainEscape®, makes it possible to add furnishings, lighting, appliances and other electronics to transform this underutilized area into a fully functional, all-season retreat.

4. Smart features for comfort and convenience
Technology is making outdoor spaces more comfortable and functional than ever. Smart lighting, weatherproof entertainment systems, app-controlled irrigation, and outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots are turning backyards into high-tech havens. Features like built-in USB ports and wireless charging stations ensure outdoor spaces stay as connected and convenient as any indoor room.

5. Sustainable and serene retreats
More homeowners are prioritizing eco-friendly choices when designing their outdoor spaces. Products made with recycled and reclaimed materials and native plants contribute to a sustainable backyard oasis. Elements like rainwater collection systems and solar-powered lighting not only help reduce environmental impact but also create a peaceful and natural atmosphere.

Outdoor living continues to evolve, offering endless possibilities for relaxation, entertainment and connection with nature. Whether you're envisioning a multi-level deck, a cozy garden escape or a poolside retreat, let these trends help you create your dream outdoor space. For more inspiration, visit Trex.com.

From marine-grade protection and Sun Comfortable™ technology to more color choices and durability backed by strong warranties ranging from 25 to 50 years, every product in our portfolio is Performance-Engineered for your life outdoors™.

6. Crafted Accessory Structures
Accessory structures are taking center stage as homeowners seek versatile solutions to expand their usable space without major renovations. Custom-built sheds, garden studios, and detached offices are becoming extensions of the home, designed to blend seamlessly with the main property's architecture. These structures go far beyond simple storage.

Think artist studios with natural light flooding in through transom windows, home offices with board and batten siding to match the main house, or backyard guest suites crafted with comfort and privacy in mind. Built with high-quality materials and tailored to individual needs, these accessory buildings add value, beauty, and function to any property, transforming unused corners into purposeful, inviting retreats.

Ready to upgrade your Space?

REquest a FRee Quote

]]><![CDATA[Ready for your best lawn ever? 3 expert spring lawn care tips]]>Wed, 29 May 2024 16:31:51 GMThttps://www.saltspraysheds.com/simpletipsblog/ready-for-your-best-lawn-ever-3-expert-spring-lawn-care-tips

(BPT) - Spring is just around the corner! As you make your list of spring cleaning chores, don't forget to add lawn care to the to-do list.

"The key to a healthy, robust lawn is preparation. Don't wait until the weather warms up! Early spring is a great time to revive and revitalize your lawn so you can enjoy it the rest of the year," says Matthew Koch, Ph.D., director of biotechnology, genetics, lawn fertilizer, and grass seed at The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company.

To help fellow lawn-owners, Dr. Koch and Scotts, a leader in lawn care, offer the following three expert lawn care tips to grow lush and healthy natural turfgrass throughout the season and beyond.

2024 Lawn Care Tips

1. Feed and seed

After a long, sleepy winter, your lawn needs some help waking up. Dr. Koch recommends feeding your lawn, so it knows it's time to grow. Try a feed like Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action Built For Seeding. The formula prevents dandelion and crabgrass for up to 6 weeks without harming new grass, jumpstarts grass development, and feeds to protect against heat and drought.

Once your lawn is fed, it's time to seed! Look for small areas of grass that aren't growing and patch them with Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade. The grass seed easily fills in bare spots on your lawn, even in tough conditions, including full sun, dense shade, high-traffic areas and on slopes. With a little TLC, your lawn will flourish in no time!

2. Prevent disease

As the spring months continue on, increased humidity and moisture create the perfect conditions for lawn disease to thrive. Look for brown or yellow patches, brown or black spots on the grass blades (leaf spots), white dust (powdery mildew) and red or pink webbing (red thread).

Even if you don't see signs of disease, Dr. Koch emphasizes the importance of taking steps to prevent disease before it takes hold, and mid to late spring is the ideal time to take preventative measures. Scotts Turf Builder Healthy Plus Lawn Food is the first ever 2-in-1 fungicide and fertilizer that uses broad-spectrum and systemic fungicides to help prevent and control 27 types of lawn diseases. Best of all, the fertilizer helps your lawn grow thicker and greener by strengthening each blade of grass down to the roots.

3. Mow high

As your lawn comes in, don't cut it too short. When the grass grows tall enough, begin mowing at the highest setting. Mowing high allows grass to grow strong roots and thick blades, providing shade that can prevent weed growth.

Early lawn care will set up your grass for success this spring and beyond. Follow these three simple tips, and your grass will flourish so you can enjoy the stunning landscape around your home ahead of summertime festivities.

Ready to transform your lawn? Start today with these simple steps and watch your grass flourish! 🏡🌿

]]><![CDATA[Tips to keep your cat happy and healthy this holiday season and beyond]]>Mon, 11 Dec 2023 16:37:51 GMThttps://www.saltspraysheds.com/simpletipsblog/tips-to-keep-your-cat-happy-and-healthy-this-holiday-season-and-beyond

(BPT) - In the company of loved ones, the holidays transform into a meaningful celebration marked by decadent foods, delightful presents and joyous gatherings. As a pet parent, you want to share in this joy with your feline family members. This means enjoying the holiday season with your pets but also keeping them safe and comfortable so all can be merry.

Extra house guests, new foods and even innocent-looking ribbons decorating presents can be tempting to cats. The best way to keep your feline happy and healthy this holiday season is to take a proactive approach and follow these tips.

1. Understand litterbox habits

Your cat's litterbox habits provide important insight into their overall wellness, including if they got into some holiday fun they shouldn't have. However, inspecting a litterbox is not a cheery chore. Fortunately, this is the golden age of pet tech, and keeping an eye on your cat's litterbox habits is now as simple as opening an app.

Solutions like the Petivity™ Smart Litterbox System help pet parents better understand their cat's health by monitoring litterbox habits. Developed by a team of Purina behaviorists, veterinarians and data scientists, the system's artificial intelligence is able to learn each cat's unique litterbox patterns and identify subtle changes that can have big implications. Even small fluctuations in weight, frequency in litterbox visits and the types of elimination can be early signs of health concerns.

Like with all good, smart tech, setup is simple. Monitors are placed under a litterbox to track each cat's data and habits. Then, if anything requires the owner's attention, an alert is sent automatically to their phone. It's a slick process, good to have all year round, and provides excellent insights during the hectic winter holidays.

2. Be mindful while being merry

The holidays are a prime time to pique a cat's curiosity. From decadent scents and festive foods to sparkling ribbons and jingling bells - there's a lot to attract their attention. While sharing the holidays with your feline is fun, it's important to be cautious.

Some potential toxic temptations, like chocolate, are already well known. But some sneakier ones also pop up this time of year. For example, lilies, amaryllis and poinsettias are popular cut flowers in festive decor, but they are toxic to cats who can be tempted to chew on them.

When possible, keep food and plants up high or away where cats can't reach them. If a cat does eat something and you don't see it, the litterbox monitoring system can help detect any changes and alert them to you. Then you can determine next steps to keep your feline feeling well and have important information to share if a call to the veterinarian is in order.

Another healthy step pet parents can take during the holidays is to monitor stress. If you're hosting a holiday event, consider a quiet room where cats can always retreat away from guests. This gives them a safe space to use as needed so they can rest, relax and recharge.

Keep in mind, stress alone from holiday gatherings can potentially cause digestive issues for cats. If the duration and frequency of litterbox visits change, it's a solid sign that kitty could use some calm. In addition to quiet spaces, some love from their favorite human - you - is often welcome during the hectic holiday season.

3. Gift proactive cat health

Remember, the best holiday gift you can give your cat or the cat lover in your life is the chance to be proactive about their health. Leverage smart tech, like the Petivity™ Smart Litterbox System, to monitor your cat's litterbox habits. Also, make sure to schedule your annual checkup for the new year to keep your veterinarian in the loop about your pet's health.

]]><![CDATA[Debunk myths and dive into water safety this summer with expert tips]]>Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:12:11 GMThttps://www.saltspraysheds.com/simpletipsblog/debunk-myths-and-dive-into-water-safety-this-summer-with-expert-tips

(BPT) - Booked summer plans? Check. New bathing suits for the family? Check. Swim lesson enrollment? Priority check!

Water safety is essential, yet many people get confused by misinformation that puts kids at risk. Step Into Swim provides need-to-know information to ensure swimming activities are safe and fun for all involved. The program is led by Rowdy Gaines, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Vice President of Partnerships and Development at the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.

With a passion for creating more swimmers and expanding access to swim education, Gaines wants to keep everyone safer this summer by debunking some of the most widespread myths about water safety.

* Myth: Splashing and screaming are signs of drowning. While 83% of parents who have a child ages 14 or under are confident in their child's ability to be safe in the water, many parents (60%) incorrectly assume someone who is drowning will draw attention to themselves by splashing and screaming, according to a Step Into Swim survey conducted by The Harris Poll. Drowning is silent, meaning the person won't scream or splash because they are struggling to breathe. This underscores the importance of swim safety.

* Myth: Drowning takes several minutes to occur. Drowning can happen in seconds, so it's critical to consistently watch children in the water - even if they know how to swim. Watch kids closely because drowning can happen in the time it takes to send a text message.

* Myth: Parents can teach their kids to swim and lessons aren't needed. While supporting your child and encouraging water safety is important, teaching kids to swim is best left to trained instructors. Learning to swim from a qualified instructor reduces the drowning risk by 88% among children ages 1 to 4, according to the medical journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Caregivers can complement the lessons learned from swim instructors by practicing the skills with their children.

* Myth: Floaties and water wings are safe and help kids learn to swim. Parents may think floaties and water wings keep children safe in the water, but they offer a false sense of security. Many children don't realize that when they remove the water wings, they lose their ability to remain afloat. Two-thirds of parents who have a child ages 14 or under (66%) believe floaties and water wings keep children safe in the water, according to the survey. However, they are not recognized as safe personal flotation devices. Caregivers must keep a constant eye on children in the water to make sure floaties remain on and secure.

* Myth: Dry drowning is a danger. Dry drowning is not a medically accepted term and may be misused to refer to other medical conditions, such as pulmonary edema or laryngospasm. Drowning injury is caused by lack of oxygen and respiratory impairment from submersion in water. It doesn't refer to the amount of water entering the lungs, according to the American Red Cross. To help avoid drowning, families need to enroll kids in swim lessons and practice supervision.

Water safety steps for everyone

Unfortunately, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1 to 4, and the second leading cause for children ages 5 to 14, according to the CDC. Before jumping into the water, follow these best practices to help keep children safe.

* Enroll your child in swimming lessons. Parents have a responsibility to keep kids safe in the water.

* Keep toys away from water when not in use. These can be distractions for children, who may overreach and accidentally fall in the water.

* Designate a water watcher to keep a close eye on children and put the cell phones down.

* Only practice safe behaviors, such as entering the pool feet first and walking instead of running.

* Avoid breath-holding activities.

* Learn CPR and keep your skills fresh with ongoing training.

* Keep kids hydrated and take frequent breaks from the sun to limit heat exposure.

* If you have a pool, use multiple layers of protection, such as pool covers, fencing and locked doors.

Learning to swim is a lifesaving skill that empowers children to be confident in the water. For more resources and information, visit StepIntoSwim.org.

]]><![CDATA[5 tips to help keep your home and packages secure while you're on summer vacation]]>Tue, 27 Jun 2023 18:43:11 GMThttps://www.saltspraysheds.com/simpletipsblog/5-tips-to-help-keep-your-home-and-packages-secure-while-youre-on-summer-vacation

(BPT) - Ready to take that long-awaited summer vacay? Before heading out for fun in the sun, make sure you'll be able to fully relax and enjoy your break by taking a few steps to help keep your home secure - including deliveries that might be made while you're gone.

Here are some tips and tools to help increase your peace of mind while you're away from home.

Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

1. Alert your neighbors - but not social media

Before your trip, chat with trusted neighbors to let them know you'll be on vacation. Those extra eyes on your home can help you feel better about taking off. Just don't post about your trip on social media - there's no need to let the world know you'll be out of your house.

2. Help make your deliveries safe

Instead of worrying about a package arriving while you're gone, use Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery, a convenient, secure way to receive Amazon packages and groceries. With In-Garage Delivery, drivers scan your package to receive one-time access to deliver inside the garage. No need to give out garage codes or let the driver in yourself. Porch pirates don't stand a chance and it also helps protect from weather damage, so you can keep any packages secure until you're home.

Amazon Key is free for Prime members and easy to set up. Plus, it gives you more flexibility and control over your Amazon deliveries by allowing you to select a preferred delivery method and choosing when and where you want your packages delivered - inside your garage or to your doorstep. At checkout, just select In-Garage Delivery and Amazon Key will take care of the rest. You'll receive real-time notifications every step of the way, and by adding a Ring Camera (sold separately), you can even watch your packages be safely delivered in real-time.

3. Monitor your home while you're away

You can set up Motion Alerts to notify you when there's activity at your front door with a Ring Video Doorbell or near one of your Ring security cameras. You'll be able to see what's happening in real-time and choose to use Two-Way Talk as needed to chat with someone on your property. For additional whole home protection, the Ring Alarm Security Kit works on any house, condo or apartment. You'll have peace of mind that your home is always protected, so you can just relax and enjoy whatever you're doing, wherever you are.

"With services like Amazon Key-In Garage Delivery and the Package Detection feature on Ring Video Doorbells, you can worry less about deliveries going missing while you're away," said Paul-David Shrader, Head of Amazon Key for Consumer. "Many customers say just the sight of a video doorbell or camera is enough of a deterrent in getting trespassers to leave their properties."

4. Set timers for lighting

Another important tactic while vacationing is to use lighting to make it appear someone is home. You can connect smart lights to your home security cameras to have lights turn on/off, or set up light schedules with Alexa to turn lights on and off at certain times each night. Even if you just set one lamp near a front window, it will look like someone is home.

5. Pre-set your HVAC

Completely turning your HVAC off to save money can be a bad idea. Not only will it look like nobody's home if your AC unit isn't running while it's sweltering, but you could also damage internal structures of the house due to excessive humidity. On top of that, your AC unit will have to work non-stop to get the temperature back down when you return, eliminating cost savings you hoped for by shutting it off completely. A good rule of thumb is to raise the temperature about 5 degrees from your usual setting when you leave town. To be able to adjust the temperature while you're away, consider installing a smart thermostat that you can control remotely.

Following these few simple steps, you can ensure your home and packages will be safe and secure, whether you're on the road or on the beach.

"Enjoyed this read? Make sure to hit 'Like' and share with your network to spread the knowledge!

]]><![CDATA[Plumbing solutions for tiny houses and nontraditional spaces]]>Wed, 18 Jan 2023 15:45:31 GMThttps://www.saltspraysheds.com/simpletipsblog/plumbing-solutions-for-tiny-houses-and-nontraditional-spaces

(BPT) - Ignited by the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, alternative housing options continue to trend upward - even while the overall housing market has cooled. Remote work has opened possibilities for living almost anywhere, even working while traveling, which has led to increased interest in options like tiny houses.

A recent survey by Fidelity National Financial subsidiary IPX1031 found that over half (56%) of survey respondents would consider living in a tiny house. Even more surprising, 86% of people who were not homeowners said they would consider a tiny house as their first home purchase, and 84% said a tiny home was an option they would consider for retirement. Other alternatives like modular homes, trailers and converted vans have emerged as potential options for anyone alarmed by exorbitant home prices, rising mortgage rates and soaring utility costs - and for those seeking a greener lifestyle.

Nontraditional homes offer benefits including economy, mobility (tiny houses with wheels or vans, for example), simplicity and sustainability. But they also present challenges. Beyond learning to de-clutter and simplify, you also have to learn how to meet essential needs, including most importantly: plumbing. Any living situation requiring above-floor plumbing solutions demands extra thought, so whatever space you call home is livable, practical - and comfortable.

Fortunately, implementing plumbing in a nontraditional home or even a portable setting is easier than ever, thanks to the development of user-friendly products that make workable bathrooms, kitchens and laundries possible for almost any setting.

Innovative bathroom solutions

For tiny homes, modular homes or other kinds of nontraditional housing, today's effective above-floor plumbing technology can also improve water conservation. For example, macerators, grinders and drain pumps specifically designed for small spaces allow you to install efficient plumbing systems virtually anywhere, even for portable bathrooms.

Having to connect to a septic system 100 feet away, which was too far for conventional drainage, tiny home builders Mario and Ciarra Soto chose an option that offered the convenience of a traditional flushing toilet. Because tiny homes like theirs aren't usually connected to a municipal sewer system, the Sotos had to figure out how to connect to their nearby property's septic tank. The solution? The Saniaccess 2 macerating toilet system fit right behind their toilet, taking up little space. Meanwhile, its half-horsepower pump and macerator blades rotating at 3,600 RPM handled their drainage needs efficiently and quietly - and they even installed it themselves.

Kitchen options for tiny houses, food trucks or basements

In settings ranging from tiny houses to food trucks or even modular homes, optimizing limited space is key to a successful kitchen setup. Ideally, you'll want to install a drain pump unit that not only handles drainage of gray water (water used for purposes other than sewage) from your sink and dishwasher, but also fits inside a kitchen cabinet.

One choice is the Sanivite, about one-third the size of a standard drain pump, which can discharge gray water away from a variety of fixtures up to 16 feet vertically and/or 150 feet horizontally to the drain line. The Sanivite offers quiet performance by emitting less noise and vibration. This solution was ideal for Dane Perkins, project manager and co-owner of GMH Construction. His clients wanted to add a basement bar to their lakefront home - which would have involved breaking through their basement's concrete floor. Instead, this new unit could drain water easily to meet their clients' needs for far less cost.

Laundry solutions for smaller spaces

While the ability to do laundry is crucial to daily living, adding laundry facilities often seems impossible in modular settings. With a more compact profile than other drain pumps, the Saniswift Pro is a heavy-duty drain pump made for hard-to-reach, tight spaces common in modular settings - such as beneath a bathroom or kitchen sink. This unit can handle gray water from up to three fixtures (such as a shower, dishwasher and/or washing machine) and doesn't store waste, but uses a short-cycle motor to begin draining immediately. The result? More efficient, effective drainage with no unpleasant odors.

If you're considering a nontraditional housing option or need solutions to above-ground plumbing problems, visit saniflo.com to explore a variety of products that can make a difference, no matter what kind of housing you choose.

]]><![CDATA[Summertime clean-up with design in mind]]>Tue, 07 Jun 2022 15:56:09 GMThttps://www.saltspraysheds.com/simpletipsblog/summertime-clean-up-with-design-in-mind

(BPT) - After months of snow and dreary rain, warm weather is an opportunity for new beginnings, new growth and deep cleaning. It seems every year that our houses are back to square one when it comes to summer cleaning, leaving us with the task of taking a year's worth of accumulated stuff and deciding what stays and what goes. Take our word for it: there's no better feeling than stepping into the warmer seasons with a fresh, decluttered house.

So in an effort to decrease the burden we face every year around this time, we have some ideas and recommendations on how to keep your space feeling fresh all year round, as well as some design additions you can make to ensure your house is as good as new come next summer.

Smart storage

No one wants to hear this, but the trick to keeping your wardrobe from taking over your closet is by building a strategic system of organization that works throughout the year. Luckily, there are some accessible tips and tricks to maximize your storage capabilities and create a space that's easier to keep organized, which means easier and faster access to find exactly what you're looking for.

Before you shell out for a pricey closet organization system, consider the things you already have that could be creatively leveraged for storage. Things like baskets, book cases, and cubbies make for perfect storage tools for things like purses, shoes, handbags and other miscellaneous items that need a home.

If you are in search of some new storage units, look for compact, multi-use options that can address more than one area of organization. To best utilize limited wall space, stack mounted shelving or wall hooks over your shoe rack to take advantage of your vertical space.

And if height allows, take advantage of a double-hanging system for tops and bottoms - all you might need in addition is a small step stool to access the top row, and you've managed to double your storage while keeping your floor space more clear for navigation.

Smart installation

Anyone who lives in a colder region knows: winter is not gentle on our homes by any means. Come spring and summer, we're left with endless lists of tasks to clean up both inside and outside the house, and with street salt and dirt quickly melted off with the spring thaw, the impact on your flooring can be damaging.

Consider products like LL Flooring's Duravana, a hybrid water-resilient flooring that locks tight to keep moisture from seeping between planks and wreaking havoc on your floor's quality. Another option would be the luxury waterproof vinyl of the Harmony Collection, which offers you both hardwood appearance and peace of mind that comes with the durability of rigid vinyl. You can find more stylish and durable flooring options at llflooring.com.

]]><![CDATA[These 3 big-impact home improvements will transform your home in 2022]]>Tue, 15 Mar 2022 13:30:00 GMThttps://www.saltspraysheds.com/simpletipsblog/these-3-big-impact-home-improvements-will-transform-your-home-in-2022

(BPT) - Are you ready for a home refresh? The new year is an ideal time to set goals and optimize your home, whether you're tackling important maintenance tasks, adding comforting elements to cozy up your space, or getting organized.

This year, home improvements that provide long-term benefits are top of mind for homeowners. Here are a few ways to keep your home in tip-top shape and bring you peace of mind.

Minimize clutter and increase safety

People are multitasking at home more than ever, which can often lead to increased clutter. Disorganization can be more than just unsightly mess; it can be a safety hazard. Thoughtful organization improves functionality, saves space and keeps areas clutter-free to reduce the chance of injury. Spaces where organization can have a huge impact include closets, mudrooms, the garage, the home office, pantry and laundry room.

"Having a dedicated space to store and contain your items will help you stay organized and improve order and efficiency," said Andrew Hall, Home Depot Interiors Program Merchant. Salt Spray can create a dedicated outdoor space that will clear up your basement or garage space. Visit our different shed styles or send us a request a quote.

By utilizing high-quality installed organization systems, you can reclaim control of your office, keep things tidy and efficient in your laundry room, and easily spot missing ingredients in your new kitchen pantry. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a walk-in pantry is the most-wanted kitchen feature, with 81% of home buyers identifying a walk-in pantry as an essential/must-have (34%) or desirable item (47%).

Decluttering and organizing your home can also help to reduce stress and allow you to streamline daily tasks. For a custom solution that meets all your storage needs and maintains your design aesthetic, consider professional organization. The Home Depot Home Services is available to help you design and build your own custom closet or storage solution with ease and convenience.

Cut energy costs and your carbon footprint

The foundation of home comfort starts with proper heating and cooling. HVAC services include anything related to heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and are key to feeling comfortable at home year-round, no matter the temperature outside.

"Crossing routine maintenance tasks off your to-do list sooner rather than later not only enhances comfort, safety and functionality of your home, but it can also increase the value of your home, reduce your energy consumption and save you money," said Viviane Essex, HVAC Install Merchant with The Home Depot's Home Services team.

Each spring and fall before you start using your air conditioner, furnace or other heating and cooling systems, you should get a tune-up to prepare your HVAC system for the seasons. By investing in a spring AC tune up and fall furnace tune-up each year, you can save a lot in energy bills by keeping your system operating at peak efficiency. You also can avoid costly repairs by identifying and fixing minor problems before they turn into big ones. While some homes might be due for a new replacement high efficiency furnace or air conditioner, others may simply need maintenance to keep everything operating as it should.

Consult a HVAC service provider from The Home Depot Home Services who can evaluate and take measurements on critical system components, check the performance and safety of the system cleanings, and make necessary repairs. Air circulation is also important to prevent temperature fluctuations throughout a home and save money while reducing energy costs. Your tune-up technician can check for duct leakage which can cause hot/cold spots and waste energy - duct sealing can help with this. In addition, installing ceiling fans and mounting a programmable thermostat in place of an older model can all help reduce your utility bills and keep you feeling more comfortable at home.

Get prepared to stay ahead of unexpected expenses

For most people, their home is their biggest investment. A proactive approach to maintenance and repairs helps protect this investment and provides peace of mind. Consider keeping a monthly and annual checklist of maintenance to-do's and schedule any necessary repairs as soon as possible.

Common monthly home maintenance to-do's include checking pipes for leaks, verifying air flow and temperature accuracy, changing furnace filters, checking fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and cleaning gutters and walkways of debris. Annual maintenance should include HVAC maintenance, checking window and door seals, verifying fence and deck integrity, updating lighting indoors and out, and landscape maintenance such as trimming trees.

If you want help to reach your 2022 home improvement goals, we provide homeowners with free proposal for a new outdoor structure. We can also refer you to the vendors we work with for additional projects like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and landscaping.

]]><![CDATA[4 simple tips for home CO safety]]>Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.saltspraysheds.com/simpletipsblog/4-simple-tips-for-home-co-safety

(BPT) - As you turn up the heat during colder months, help reduce your risk of CO poisoning at home with the following steps:

1) Check your appliances and furnace

Make it routine to have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil or fuel-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician. CO can be produced from fuel-burning devices such as your home's furnace, dryer vent in a drying machine, and fireplace or chimney, so it's important to regularly check them to ensure they are clear of debris and snow, especially after a snowstorm.

"CO safety is important year-round, but especially in the colder months when the number of incidents typically increases," said Ashley Gocken, home safety expert with First Alert, a manufacturer of residential fire and CO detection devices. "It's important to take the proper steps to ensure your home and family are protected from CO."

2) Install CO alarms

Even when following safety and maintenance protocols, CO leaks can occur, so it's important to be ready for the unexpected. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends installing CO alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and near all sleeping areas. Once installed, it's important to test alarms regularly. Remember to replace the batteries in your alarms every six months, even if they're hardwired, so there's always a reliable power source in case of electricity outages.

"CO alarms don't last forever and need to be replaced at least every five to ten years depending on the model. If you can't remember when you last replaced your alarms, it may be time to install new ones," Gocken said.

3) Choose safe heating options during a power outage

If extreme winter weather knocks out your power for an extended period, be safe when using alternative energy sources. Remember to never run a generator or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open. Always use a generator outside and make sure it's more than 20 feet from an open window, door or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area. And keep in mind that it's never safe to heat your home with your oven.

4) Know the symptoms

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are just like those of the flu, including headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, upset stomach and vomiting. Severe CO poisoning can cause chest pains and confusion, and may eventually be fatal, according to the CDC. If your CO alarm sounds or you think you might be experiencing CO poisoning, seek fresh air immediately and call 911.

"With the height of CO incidents occurring during flu season, it's more important than ever to have properly functioning CO alarms. First Alert encourages everyone to take these simple steps to protect yourself and your family throughout winter from the increased threat of CO poisoning," Gocken said.

Learn more about CO safety at FirstAlert. com.

]]><![CDATA[How to decide what kind of garden you want this year]]>Tue, 01 Mar 2022 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.saltspraysheds.com/simpletipsblog/how-to-decide-what-kind-of-garden-you-want-this-year

(BPT) - Gardening has become a very popular pastime over the past two years, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down. According to last year's Axiom Gardening Insights Survey, 62% of their respondents said they will plant even more in 2022. Whether you're one of the many who plan to expand your garden or it's your first attempt, there are plenty of tools and resources available to help you succeed.

Winter is the perfect time to dream of warmer days - and gardening. Developing a concrete plan can help you focus on how to make your dream become a reality. Here are steps to help determine what you want from your garden before the planting season is underway.

Figure out your gardening goals
- You could have more than one motivation for gardening, ranging from just enjoying being outdoors to specific results.

Your reasons might include:

You could have more than one motivation for gardening, ranging from just enjoying being outdoors to specific results. Your reasons might include:

* Growing veggies, fruits and/or herbs you can eat or use in cooking
* Boosting your home's curb appeal with beautiful flowers
* Attracting butterflies and/or bees with a pollinator garden
* Creating a pretty backyard sanctuary

Determining which goal is most important to you can help you make choices about what and where to plant.

Utilize help getting started

Enlist family members or friends to share tasks like planting, watering, weeding and fertilizing. Gardening is a great hobby for all ages, and children can have fun learning about nature from planting things and watching them grow.

One easy way to get started is with Ferry-Morse Plantlings: live healthy baby plants delivered from the Ferry-Morse nursery directly to your door. With over 100 varieties of herb, vegetable, shrub, tree and flower Plantlings available, ready-to-plant seedlings are an easy way to get the summer growing season started. Plantlings are a popular option to begin your gardening early, with established root systems that will yield a healthier garden - and leave you with a shorter to-do list come time for spring planting.

Know your space and time limitations

It's easy to be overwhelmed by all the amazing available choices, especially when you're new to gardening. But even homes with limited space can benefit from the beauty of plants or flowers in a planter, window box or raised garden bed. Choose low-maintenance plants and flowers to save on time.

Consider using what you already have to maximize your efforts - are there flowers and plants you already love in your yard? You could space them out if they are spreading varieties, moving some to other areas of your yard. Look up which plants need more sun or shade, so you know they'll thrive where you transplant them.

Yearning to start growing indoors before the season begins? Jiffy Peat Pellets can help you get your seeds off to a healthy start and establish root systems so your seedlings are ready to be planted directly into the ground at the start of the season.

Know your zone

Learn what plants are native to your geographical zone and hardiest where you live before purchasing seeds or Plantlings. Learning the best times to plant specific species will also help your gardening efforts succeed. Your local agricultural extension office is a wonderful source of information on what plants grow best in your area.

Know your level of expertise

Gardening rookie? You'll enjoy your efforts even more if you limit the number of varieties you plant. Focus on just a few at a time, then expand what you plant later in the year, or next year.

Even if you're an experienced gardener, it still helps to have a list of goals. Don't feel you have to do it all at once. To enjoy watching your garden transform its beauty throughout the growing season, plan for some early blooming plants, then arrange for different areas of your garden to feature mid-summer or late blooming flowers.

"Gardening is something anyone can enjoy, at any level of expertise, no matter how much space you have," said Rebecca Sears, chief gardening guru for Ferry-Morse. "Start with a few plants or flowers you love, and learn what you can about them. There's nothing more satisfying than watching your garden grow and thrive."

Visit FerryMorse. com for everything you need to get started, plus tips and resources to help you enjoy your garden more than ever this year.

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